Guidance on What to Do When You’re Unemployed and Depressed

Losing one’s job ranks up there near the top of life’s biggest stressors. Not only does a sudden job loss spark feelings of anxiety and fear, but losing one’s livelihood can set off a spiral of despair that culminates in deep depression.

To most adults, what we do for a living defines us to a great degree. We may take a personal sense of pride in the work we do, as well as form close bonds with our coworkers. A sudden disruption in our work status puts an end to familiar routines, our sense of security, and daily connections to people we value. While the loss of a paycheck may trigger deep anxiety about how to provide for oneself and one’s family, the emotional repercussions and subsequent depression can be devastating, so knowing what to do when you’re depressed is crucial.

Unemployment and Depression

Although the Great Recession may have officially ended back in 2009, the aftermath has played out ever since. A significant percentage of adults who lost their jobs during the recession have yet to return to the workforce, at least not in a full-time capacity or at the level of their prior job. While short-term unemployment (less than 6 months) is upsetting and disruptive, long-term unemployment has the potential to result in major depressive disorder (MDD). Survey results from 2013 revealed that of those unemployed for more than six months 18% suffer from depression versus 5% in the larger population.

Sadly, remaining unemployed for a long period of time can lead to a vicious cycle when the psychological impact, such as low self-esteem and loss of confidence, affects how a prospective employer might view the candidate during an interview. Even though the out-of-work candidate may be perfectly qualified for the position, their lack of self-assurance is picked up by the hiring manager who may pass on the candidate for someone with a more positive demeanor. Ultimately, this job seeker may have to settle for a job that he or she is overqualified for, or cobble together part-time jobs, which only exacerbates the MDD.

What to Do When You Are Depressed

Because suffering from depression can be crippling, it is important to know what to do when you’re depressed. Once the symptoms of depression persist for more than two weeks it would be wise to see a doctor who can first rule out any medical reason for the symptoms. The classic markers of MDD, sometimes referred to as clinical depression, are:

Once a medical reason for the depressive symptoms has been ruled out, a doctor may recommend an antidepressant. While antidepressants may help about 50% of patients who suffer from MDD, they are ineffective in successfully treating the other half of depressed patients and/or can produce unpleasant side effects. There are some alternative measures one can take, including deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS).

What is dTMS?

Whether or not an individual’s symptoms are relieved with antidepressants can dictate what to do when you’re depressed. Deep TMS is an exciting alternative therapy that helps thousands of people who suffer the debilitating effects of MDD who didn’t find relief with antidepressants. Deep TMS is a safe, noninvasive therapeutic procedure with minimal, if any at all, side effects that was cleared by the FDA in 2013 for treating medication-resistant depression. In over 60 clinical trials, dTMS has proven itself to be both safe and effective in successfully treating stubborn depression.

A typical dTMS session has the patient comfortably seated and fully alert. A padded helmet with a coil embedded inside is placed on the patient’s head and magnetic pulses are then delivered to the prefrontal cortex, or the mood center of the brain. The resulting electrical currents penetrate up to 6 cm into the brain, stimulating underactive brain cells and eventually resetting brain chemistry. The sessions last about 20 minutes and are prescribed five days a week for 4-6 weeks for best results.

Achieve TMS Largest Provider of dTMS Treatment for Depression in the U.S.

The steps to take when you’re depressed should include a consultation with a dTMS professional at Achieve TMS, the premier provider of dTMS in the country. These dedicated doctors and clinicians possess a wide breadth of experience in treating MDD and are experts in providing dTMS therapy. Contact us today for more information about this state-of-the-art depression treatment at (877) 447-6503.

Author: Achieve TMS

Achieve TMS is the leading provider of Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation depression treatments. With over 600 patients treated and countless success stories, we’ve brought hope back to those who have been suffering in silence."